A Base Dágua by Douglas Evangelista creates an alternate universe where Western-style comic books are populated by cowboys armed with supersoakers. The neon, bulbous look of the waterguns feels comically out of place in the brown and dusty world of the frontier, and especially in the hands of the eyepatched rogue at the bottom. That said, there’s definitely some room for improvement. I can’t read what’s going on in the text because it’s in Portuguese, but even so it’s clear to me that the font styles used aren’t ideal. The thick-thin style of the title looks more like a theater program than anything appropriate for a western. Some more experimentation there and a little more research could have really raised the level of the artwork. I also think cutting down on the amount of text (that bit at the bottom is three lines long, which seems borderline insane for small type on a t-shirt if there’s an expectation it be read) in general would have been beneficial, as well as adding a few lines to suggest a desert or frontier background.

KLIKSS by Arinesart translates Lego figures into the world of rock and roll. The KISS makeup styles are a good fit for minifigs, since they use bold graphics and there’s an implication that you can mix and match the heads. And I love the band’s name, because it makes this a parody based in sound rather than image- it called attention to the sound of clicking two lego bricks together and compares that to loud music. It’s a fun concept, and one that invites you to look at Lego in a different way. The only thing this is missing, in my eyes, is the inclusion of the bricks themselves. I think if the title was spelled out in bricks instead of lights (or maybe a mixture of both?) it might have been even stronger.

Pampling has two options for winners of their contest. XPress winners earn 1 euro per shirt sold, with a minimum of 100 euros guaranteed. If the design sells well, designers may have the option of earning 500 euros to give Pampling the exclusive printing rights for one year. The second option is Classic winners, who earn 680 euros cash and 120 euros in t-shirts (or 720 euros cash) for the first 400 units and exclusive rights for 3 years. If the design is reprinted, the artist earns 850 euros cash and 150 euros in Pampling products (or 900 euros cash).

Prehistoric by Alex Solis (alexmdc) won Threadless’s Characters contest, which means it was also turned into a pretty cool desk toy. And it’s a great choice for that application because this is a visual gag that is arguably even funnier in three dimensions, when the flatness of the mammoth can be fully exploited. That’s no knock on how well it works as a shirt, either- this is a fun concept any way you slice it. I love the grumpy look in his eye, like he’s not at all amused by the way he’s being compared to obsolete media. But unfortunately for him, the comparison is very apt- both were giants in their time, and their time has most definitely passed.

Banana Fiction by Alberto Arni (albertoarni) ought to please the legions of t-shirt buyers who have a seemingly bottomless need for new minions gear. But while most minions designs bore me at this point, I’m impressed with the attention to detail in this one. I like that each minion isn’t just a yellow blob, they’ve each been massaged into minionized versions of the Pulp Fiction characters they imitate, right down to hairstyle and facial expression. Plus, isn’t replacing guns with bananas always funny? It’s smart work, and manages to make the subject matter feel fresh again.

Silly Karate by Mathiole (mathiole) calls attention to what every Karate Kid fan has always known in their heart of hearts- that crane kick move looked absolutely ridiculous. Highlighting the goofiness of that maneuver by comparing it to Monty Python’s silly walk is a masterstroke, especially since there’s considerable physical similarity between the two. The inclusion of those birds in the background and clear reference to the seascape of the movie help keep the karate reference strong.

High Voltage by carbine (digitalcarbine) is one heck of a slick illustration, immediately grabbing the eye with that red flash of lightning. The bolt is more a lightning symbol than an attempt to draw the thin, wrinkly crackle of real lightning, so it makes a nice contrast with the mostly realistic form of the man being afflicted. His hand is a mess of contorting joints, a painful convulsion that you can see also working its way through the rest of his body. The movement finally reaches his eyes, where things get a bit murky- are these tears turning to steam, or could we be seeing his spirit literally escape his body? Either way, it’s violent and dramatic, but so well rendered that you can’t quite look away.

Stealth by Sean Z (dicaeum) will definitely resonate with Photoshop users- and is Photoshop ubiquitous enough these days that the average person on the street will understand that the checkerboard pattern means transparency? It very well might be, and the helpful Opacity menu below helps clear things up. So it’s a design that is clever and I think reads surprisingly well, plus it’s nice to see all the symbols called out on the plane’s form, which help establish it as three dimensional and give it some personality. Solid work.

Monsieur Poulet wants you to imagine what the Future looks like in their latest contest. Here’s what they’re looking for (according to Google’s translation of the original French):

What will the future? I’m sure you you are often asked. We cohabit with races alien ? Shall we pajamas shimmering whilst browsing from planet to planet? Or more likely, we’ll enslaved by infamous dolphin who have taken control of the earth? And in all this will be where the pandas and polar bears?

For this competition, no need DeLorean to travel through time, but just your imagination. We want flying cars, life on Mars, animals with 4, 5 or 6 heads, of hope, of online t-shirts , some fantastic things, in short, stuff of the future!

Enter before March 30th, 2015 for your chance to win. Winners at Monsieur Poulet earn 2 Euros per item sold, for a total of up to 2000 Euros.

No limits on halftones or colors. Photos are OK as long as they are your own. Don’t just post a photo and call it a day, though. We stillwant to see a DESIGN.

Your derby images should show a mockup of some kind so we can see what the journal looks like.

This derby begins on Friday at Noon and ends on Monday at Noon. The top three vote-getters will each earn $200 cash and $2 per item sold. Additionally, other designs will be selected and sold for $2 per item each. Both top vote-getters and selected designs will be sold in a future Plus sale.

Starting Monday: Derby #426: Landscapes and Cityscapes

No Creme Tees!

The top three vote-getters will each earn $1000 and $2 per item sold after the first day of sales. Those winners will be sold on Friday (1st), Saturday (2nd), and Sunday (3rd). Additionally, other designs may be selected for a Plus sale on the following Monday, with each selected design earning $2 per item sold.

Prince Adam of Eternia may look just as harmless as his cowardly feline pal, Cringer. But when he raises his mystical Power Sword, he transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Atop Cringer’s fearless alter ego, Battle Cat, this muscle-bound dogooder is ready to defend Castle Grayskull against the nefarious Skeletor and his henchmen.

Take a trip around Snake Mountain to battle Beast Man and Evil-Lyn or venture to Etheria, where He-Man’s long lost twin sister, She-Ra, rebels against Hordak and the Horde. Whatever you choose to design, do it for the honor of Grayskull.

Enter before April 7th, 2015 for your chance to win. One winner will earn $2000 cash, a $500 Threadless gift code, and a selection of Masters of the Universe collectibles.